Police released Solomon Galligan's mug shot. (Aurora Police Department)
Aurora, Colo.
A man accused of attempting to kidnap an elementary school student during recess last year is expected to have his charges dropped.
According to multiple outlets, the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Colorado intends to dismiss charges against Solomon Galligan.
The 33-year-old was arrested and charged with attempted kidnapping in April 2024.
Aurora police said he walked onto school grounds at Black Forest Hills Elementary School and approached a group of children during recess, trying to grab an 11-year-old boy.
The children ran away to escape Galligan that afternoon and they were able to run for help.
The boy’s mother said her son gave police Galligan’s description, and told them that he had white powder or some sort of substance on his face, along with smelling like alcohol.
Officers were able to catch up to Galligan and take him into custody.
However, Eric Ross, a spokesperson for the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, shared that a doctor has found Galligan incompetent to stand trial last month.
“When a defendant is found mentally incompetent to proceed and is being civilly committed for mental health treatment, we are legally obligated to dismiss charges,” KUSA quoted Ross.
Authorities said Galligan has a criminal history, which includes a 2012 conviction for failing to register as a sex offender.
According to Ross, his office intends to only release Galligan to a mental health facility.
KMGH reports that Galligan has had four criminal cases throughout the state dismissed, with the issue of competency being raised in all of them.
Galligan is expected to have another court hearing later this month.